Platini withdraws bid for FIFA presidency
PARIS — Suspended UEFA chief Michel Platini on Thursday withdrew from the race to become FIFA president, telling L’Equipe that he will concentrate on clearing his name instead.
“I will not present myself for the presidency of FIFA. I am withdrawing my candidature. I no longer have the time nor the means to go to the voters, to meet people, to fight against the other candidates,” said Platini in reference to the January 26 deadline for nominations to succeed Sepp Blatter.
“In withdrawing, I am dedicating myself to my defense.”
Platini and Blatter were suspended for eight years by FIFA’s ethics committee over a 2 million Swiss franc ($2 million) payment made to Platini in 2011 for work carried out between 1999 and 2002.
Read more coverage of the FIFA corruption scandal from The Tico Times
You may be interested
Costa Rica 101: Using your cell phone in Costa Rica
Alejandro Zúñiga - June 20, 2019One of the better parts of any vacation is disconnecting from the rest of the world. But whether it’s for…
Costa Rica becoming a more accessible and inclusive tourist destination
Magdalena López / Semanario Universidad - June 20, 2019Last weekend, Costa Rica presented its new model of inclusive and accessible social tourism, with activities aimed at older adults,…
Gold Cup roundup: USA, Mexico earn blowout wins in first games
Alejandro Zúñiga - June 19, 2019The 2019 Gold Cup has featured several blowouts and few upsets through each country's first game. The Tico Times recaps…
